Help with disordered eating

There are many types of eating disorders

Many people have heard of these eating disorders:

• anorexia nervosa, where a person thinks their body is larger than it is and tries to keep their weight as low as possible through restricted diet, excessive exercise or both
• bulimia nervosa, where a person regularly binges on food then purges it from their body by vomiting, taking laxatives or exercising excessively
• binge eating disorder, where a person regularly eats a lot of food in a short time.

However, together these make up less than half the diagnosed eating disorders in the UK. The most common diagnosis is ‘other specified feeding or eating disorder’ (OSFED).

Many factors contribute to disordered eating

Eating disorders are complex and the causes are not fully understood. You are more likely to suffer from an eating disorder if you:

• are female (though a quarter of sufferers are male)
• are a teenager (though eating disorders can affect younger children and older adults)
• have a family member with an eating disorder
• have experienced bullying or abuse, particularly sexual abuse
• have been criticised for your weight or eating habits, or experience pressure to be a certain weight or shape for your job.

Can therapy help people with disordered eating?

We understand that it isn’t easy, but yes, therapy can help.

Our therapists know that eating issues are a response to emotional distress. Working through the history and feelings that underpin your eating habits with the support of one of our therapists will help you to regain control. Therapy is always confidential.

Or perhaps it’s someone you love who has the eating disorder. We are here to help you too.

Counselling for eating disorders is completely confidential. To arrange a confidential discussion with one of our therapists, please get in touch.